Top Paying Jobs in Illinois
Illinois has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 581,630 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Cardiologists ($517,850), Surgeons, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologists ($435,750). The cost of living index is 93.85 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,407/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$160K
Avg. median salary
93.85
Cost of living index
$1,407
Median 2BR rent
12,667,240
Population
Highest paying careers in Illinois
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | Sales | $108K | $51.72/hr |
| 92 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Repair & Maintenance | $107K | $51.67/hr |
| 93 | Terrazzo Workers and Finishers | Construction & Trades | $107K | $51.54/hr |
| 94 | Facilities Managers | Management | $107K | $51.43/hr |
| 95 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $107K | $51.38/hr |
| 96 | Data Scientists | Technology | $107K | $51.23/hr |
| 97 | Fundraising Managers | Management | $106K | $51.1/hr |
| 98 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | Construction & Trades | $106K | $50.84/hr |
| 99 | Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers | Construction & Trades | $106K | $50.76/hr |
| 100 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | Public Safety | $105K | $50.7/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Illinois
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-6.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,407/mo
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Metro areas in Illinois
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Compare Illinois to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Illinois?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Illinois?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data